Police impose dispersal order in Melksham after antisocial behaviour spike

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 17:55 · Archive

Wiltshire Police have imposed a dispersal order in Melksham after reports of youths causing antisocial behaviour including theft and arson.

Wiltshire Police have imposed a dispersal order in Melksham town centre and King George V Park following reports of antisocial behaviour by youths. The incidents reported include drinking alcohol, entering derelict buildings and defecating in public. Theft and arson have also occurred at the town's skate park.

The Section 35 dispersal order will remain in force until 1.45pm on October 10. It gives officers the power to direct people suspected of being involved in antisocial behaviour or disorder to leave a designated area for a set period. Anyone who returns after being excluded could face arrest.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Charly Chilton said the recent increase in antisocial behaviour is 'completely unacceptable'. "Members of the public shouldn't have to put up with being harassed or intimidated when simply going about their day," Chilton said. The sergeant confirmed the order would be in place for an initial 48-hour period and that anyone found involved in antisocial behaviour would be dealt with 'swiftly and robustly'.

How it is being reported

• Public defecation, theft and arson in town sparks police crackdownPolice have imposed a dispersal order after a spike in anti-social behaviour in a Wiltshire town.Wiltshire Times · 8 Oct, 17:03
• Public defecation, theft and arson in town sparks police crackdownPolice have imposed a dispersal order after a spike in anti-social behaviour in a Wiltshire town.Gazette & Herald · 8 Oct, 17:03

In this story: Wiltshire Police · Melksham · King George V Park · Charly Chilton

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